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PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT: Be prepared.

Article Excerpt
As we move into what many doctors have suggested could be the most critical period, Gareth Edwards provides some guidance for employers on dealing with swine flu.

On the back of an economic crisis, employers now find themselves grappling with the issues arising from 1124 influenza A (H1N1) - ie ' swine flu'. With reports that the Government expects 100,000 per day to contract the disease, employers need to review what preventative measures they can take in the event of an outbreak at their workplace. How should they deal with staff suffering from flu-like symptoms, and what can be done in relation to the remaining workforce? Employers should review business continuity and contingency plans to ensure they are prepared for a pandemic and can limit the impact on the business, as well as considering some of the employment law issues.

What advice should I be giving to employees now?

Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe system of work and to prevent foreseeable risk of injury to employees. The HSE and Department of Health has issued guidance to employers which include:

* providing staff with access to the latest government information and advice

* prominently displaying signs which discourage staff and visitors with flu-like symptoms from entering the workplace

* encouraging staff to follow basic hygiene procedures such as regular hand washing, use of disposable handkerchiefs which are immediately thrown away

* considering alternatives to direct meetings in order to reduce face- to-face interaction, including use of telephone conferencing and home- working

* suggesting staff who are feeling unwell contact their GP for a proper diagnosis.

What should I...

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